GELSENKIRCHEN: England escaped an embarrassing last-16 exit at Euro 2024 thanks to Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick before Harry Kane struck in extra-time to grab a 2-1 win over Slovakia on Sunday.
The Three Lions have been hyped as one of the favorites as they bid to end a 58-year wait for major tournament glory but looked set to go out with a whimper to Ivan Schranz’s 25th minute goal.
However, Bellingham’s moment of inspiration five minutes into six added on in stoppage time breathed new life into Gareth Southgate’s reign as England boss.
Kane then headed in just a minute into extra-time to set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.
“That’s the desire and the attitude from the boys. It looked tough for a second there but you keep going,” said Kane. “Jude does what Jude does and what an unbelievable goal.”
Southgate looked set to fall on his sword after steadfastly refusing to make changes to a side that stumbled through as winners of Group C despite scoring just two goals in three games.
Kobbie Mainoo was introduced for his first competitive start in Southgate’s only change and he paid the price with another lacklustre display lacking in any speed or invention for long spells.
“We want to be better,” said Southgate. “I’m not going to hide from that but the spirit and character was there for everybody to see and we’re still in there fighting.”
The one saving grace of England’s performances in the group stage was that a makeshift defense had held up well, conceding just once in three games.
However, they were torn to pieces early on by a Slovakia side ranked 45th in the world.
England did not heed a couple of warnings as David Hancko and Lukas Haraslin were wasteful with big chances.
Slovakia finally punished their more illustrious opponents when David Strelec was given acres of room to turn and play in Schranz, who confidently stroked past Jordan Pickford for his third goal of the tournament.
The half-time whistle was met with a chorus of boos but Southgate still stuck to his guns and did not make a change until 25 minutes to go.
England did at least improve on a dismal first half and had the ball in the net within five minutes of the restart.
Phil Foden turned in Kieran Trippier’s cross but was caught offside after a VAR review.
Slovakia should have doubled their lead shortly afterwards when England gave away possession and Strelec saw Pickford well off his line but failed to hit the target from the halfway line.
Southgate’s hand was finally forced on 66 minutes by an injury to Trippier.
But England still struggled to create and looked down and out when Kane headed wide a golden opportunity and Declan Rice smashed the post with a long-range pot shot.
Southgate was even derided by the England support for bringing on Ivan Toney deep into stoppage time with chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing.”
However, there was an incredible twist as Bellingham acrobatically turned home Guehi’s flick-on from a throw-in the final moments of added-on time.
“It’s a feeling that is like no other,” said Bellingham.
“You’re 30 seconds from going home and having to listen to all the rubbish and feeling like you’ve let a nation of people down. In 30 seconds or one kick of the ball everything can change.”
Slovakia were suddenly rattled and Toney was to have a telling contribution.
The Brentford striker headed Eberechi Eze’s mishit shot back across goal for Kane to power home his second goal of the tournament.
Slovakia should still have taken the game to penalties when full-back Peter Pekarik failed to turn in a dangerous driven cross from point-blank range.
But England live to fight another day come the quarter-final against an impressive Switzerland, who comfortably knocked out holders Italy 2-0 on Saturday.
Bellingham, Kane rescue England from shock Euro 2024 exit to Slovakia
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Bellingham, Kane rescue England from shock Euro 2024 exit to Slovakia
- Three Lions looked set to go out with a whimper to Ivan Schranz’s 25th minute goal
’I wish I could play forever’ says tearful Murray at Wimbledon farewell
LONDON: Andy Murray suffered a losing start in his farewell to Wimbledon on Thursday, weeping openly in front of his adoring fans before admitting: “I wish I could play forever.”
Murray, a two-time singles champion at Wimbledon, and brother Jamie were defeated 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 by Rinky Hijikata and John Peers of Australia in the first round of men’s doubles.
It was the first episode of a retirement three-parter — the 37-year-old is scheduled to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon before he retires at the Paris Olympics.
After having a metal hip inserted in 2019, suffering ankle damage this year and undergoing surgery to remove a cyst from his spine which ruled him out of singles at Wimbledon, Murray has reluctantly accepted the writing is on the wall.
His career has yielded three Grand Slam titles, two Olympic golds, a Davis Cup and the world number one ranking.
“Look it’s hard because I would love to keep playing but I can’t. Physically it is too tough now, all of the injuries, they have added up and they haven’t been insignificant,” he said.
“I want to play forever, I love the sport and it’s given me so much. It’s taught me loads of lessons over the years I can use for the rest of my life. I don’t want to stop so it is hard.”
Tears flowed when video tributes were paid to Murray by a number of stars including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Career-long rival Novak Djokovic was courtside to witness Murray’s emotional evening in the spotlight.
“It was obviously really special to play with Jamie,” added Murray.
“We never got chance to do it before (at Wimbledon) and the way things worked out, there was a chance.
“It was a bit of a race to get out here. Physically it wasn’t easy but I am glad we did it.”
Murray received a standing ovation when he walked onto Center Court alongside his brother, older by 15 months and a winner of two Grand Slam men’s doubles titles.
Up in the players’ box, his family, including mother Judy, father William, wife Kim and two of his children joined in the applause.
The famous arena witnessed some of Murray’s most dramatic moments.
His tearful 2012 final loss to Roger Federer was followed by Olympic gold just weeks later.
“I’m not saying I’m the most outgoing or bubbly personality, but I think people probably saw how much I cared about the sport for the first time maybe,” said Murray of that loss to the Swiss great.
In 2013 Murray claimed his first Wimbledon title, ending a 77-year wait for a British male champion, and added another three years later.
On Thursday, the former world number one was treated to ecstatic cheers even when it was announced it was his turn to serve.
Hardly surprisingly, Murray appeared stiff in his movement, not helped by the chilly temperatures, which dipped to 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit).
The brothers had a set point in the opener, which they were unable to convert.
Hijikata made them pay with a drive forehand down the middle of the court when it came to his turn to capitalize on his team’s set point.
“Let’s go” shouted Andy Murray when he and Jamie staved off break points on his serve in the opening game of the second set.
Murray had grimaced as he struggled on serve — he defiantly punched the air when he prevailed.
Moments later, Murray treated his fans to his trademark, nerve-tingling roar that has regularly bounced around Center Court for the best part of two decades as he unleashed a winning forehand for a 2-0 lead in the second set.
The euphoria was brief as left-handed Jamie was broken.
Peers unintentionally speared a fierce forehand at the body of Andy Murray and immediately apologized.
Jamie dropped serve again as the Australian pair moved into a 4-3 lead, with Hijikata eventually sealing victory with a smart backhand down the center.
Saudi women clinch victory at Asian Lacrosse Games in Uzbekistan
- Team had to navigate challenging group stage that featured host nation and India
SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan: Saudi Arabia’s women’s lacrosse team on Thursday clinched the title at the Asian Lacrosse Games in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to mark a successful debut in the competition.
The team had to navigate a challenging group stage that featured the host nation and India.
The round-robin format saw the Saudi women notch up emphatic victories to finish top of the pool, which secured them direct passage to the final, where they beat India again to win the title.
Saudi Lacrosse Federatopn president Yazeed Al-Rasheed said the triumph was testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches and support staff.
He said he hoped the win would inspire a new generation of athletes and encourage greater participation in lacrosse throughout the Kingdom.
He also thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership, including Sports Minister and President of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and vice president at the committee Prince Fahad bin Jalawi, for backing lacrosse and the wider sporting sector.
‘Tie his shoes together’: Spain wary of ‘brutal’ Kroos
- “We thought about tying Kroos feet together, but I’m not sure if UEFA will let me,” the 63-year-old coach joked in Stuttgart on Thursday
- “We will try and make sure he doesn’t have the chance to receive the ball and will limit his passing options”
STUTTGART, Germany: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his side may need to get creative to stop Germany’s “brutal” Toni Kroos in Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter final in Stuttgart.
“We thought about tying Kroos feet together, but I’m not sure if UEFA will let me,” the 63-year-old coach joked in Stuttgart on Thursday.
“We know how Kroos behaves. We will try and make sure he doesn’t have the chance to receive the ball and will limit his passing options.
“We’ll appeal to UEFA to see if we can tie him down.”
Spain head into Friday’s clash as the only side at Euro 2024 who have won every game, with four wins from four.
Hosts Germany are however not far behind, having won three and drawn one on their way to the quarter final.
De la Fuente called Kroos “a world-class player, a footballer playing at a brutal level.
“He brought talent, charisma and quality into the dressing room. The confidence he transmits to the other players is contagious and has been very good for Germany.
“It’s a pity he’s leaving football because I love to watch him play.”
Germany and Spain are the equal most successful sides in Euros history, with both having won three Euros titles.
The Spanish coach however said the winner on Friday would not become the favorite to win the final in Berlin on July 14.
“No, there are other powerful teams. Nothing is free here — the closer you get to the final, the best will remain.
“We don’t see ourselves as favorites, we see ourselves as a strong team who want to fight for everything and fight until the end.”
Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan said a passionate home crowd in Stuttgart “could be the difference” between the two form sides at the competition, but de la Fuente said it could work to Spain’s advantage.
“At this level, home-field advantage doesn’t have much influence. My players are professionals and will not be intimidated by the hostile environment.
“Sometimes, that factor goes against the home team.”
Spain captain Dani Carvajal, who has played alongside Kroos at Real for a decade, said he “hadn’t spoken to him — I’ll wait until tomorrow.
“As the manager said, I hope we can tie him down. It’ll be a very special match for him.”
Mbappé praises ‘legend’ Ronaldo and urges France to support Griezmann in ‘tough spell’ at Euro 2024
- “Everyone knows just how much I admire Cristiano Ronaldo as a player,” Mbappé said
- “Regardless of what has happened before or what happens after, he will be a footballing legend”
HAMBURG, Germany: Kylian Mbappé described Cristiano Ronaldo as a “footballing legend” and “one of a kind” as the superstars prepare to meet in the European Championship quarterfinals.
For many, the major subplot of the Portugal vs. France match in Hamburg on Friday is the head to head between their captains.
Mbappé has previously called Ronaldo his idol and he spoke in glowing terms about the 39-year-old striker who has said he is playing in his last European Championship.
“Everyone knows just how much I admire Cristiano Ronaldo as a player,” Mbappé said on Thursday in the pre-match news conference. “Over time, I have been lucky to brush shoulders with him, to get to know and have a chat with him. We are still in contact. He is always helping me — he keeps up with what is going on in my life and he gives me tips.
“It’s an honor for me, especially when we think about what he has done for the footballing world. Regardless of what has happened before or what happens after, he will be a footballing legend.”
Mbappé recently signed for Real Madrid, where Ronaldo starred from 2009-18, and now he could bring an end to his rival’s European Championship career.
So, does he see it as a “passing-of-the-baton” occasion?
“No, I think that he is one of kind,” Mbappé said. “There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo, there will only ever be one.
“I am following my own path. My dream of playing at Real Madrid is coming a reality. I hope that I will also be able to mark football but I am not going to write the next chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo’s story. I hope I will be able to be one of a kind at Real Madrid and be completely different.”
Mbappé, who was the top scorer at the 2022 World Cup with eight goals, has netted only once in three games at Euro 2024 — from the penalty spot — as the French struggle to get their attacking game flowing.
Indeed, no France player has scored from open play, the team’s other two goals being own-goals.
Mbappé said he was having to modify his style of play for his country because of the different personnel behind him.
“A forward needs to adapt to all the different situations, to teammates, to different player profiles on the pitch,” he said. “We had different players when I first started — Paul Pogba, for example, in midfield and with him I knew I needed to get my head down and run. I call for the ball and the ball is at my feet.
“Now, it’s different. The idea is about analyzing the type of players you are playing with. With the players we have, maybe we can’t play into space because it isn’t their type of playing style. But if there are spaces, I love eating up those spaces.”
Among those being called out for particular criticism for France’s lack of a cutting edge in attack is Antoine Griezmann, who has played in two positions — central midfield and on the right wing — so far and was even dropped for the group closer against Poland.
Mbappé said Griezmann has “been in the firing line” and deserved better after playing 133 times for France and being a key member of the team that won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022.
“It is maybe a tough spell at the moment and it’s a shame we are kicking him while he is down,” Mbappé said. “It doesn’t sit well with me — he is one of the best players in modern French football.”
Djokovic into Wimbledon third round after rookie scare
- Djokovic triumphed 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 but had to save two break points midway through the fourth set before seeing off the challenge of the world number 277
- “I had never seen him play so there is always the element of surprise,” admitted Djokovic
LONDON: Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic was made to fight by British outsider Jacob Fearnley before reaching the third round for the 18th time on Thursday.
Djokovic triumphed 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 but had to save two break points midway through the fourth set before seeing off the challenge of the world number 277.
“I had never seen him play so there is always the element of surprise,” admitted Djokovic.
“He had nothing to lose and served well. I was a little lucky in the fourth set. I could have won the match in three and it could have gone to a fifth.
“The way he was playing, I’m glad it didn’t.”
The 37-year-old Djokovic had cruised through the first two sets on Center Court against a player who was making his Grand Slam debut this week.
He was a break up in the third to lead 3-2 but Fearnley, who was still playing university tennis in the United States last month, retrieved the break immediately.
He then rode the momentum to claim the third set.
Fearnley forced the 24-time Grand Slam champion to save two break points in the sixth game of the fourth set.
Djokovic made the Briton pay for his failure to convert the advantage and gained a final crucial break in the 11th game before serving out the match.
“I didn’t really feel comfortable in my own skin in the third and fourth sets,” said Djokovic.
“But sometimes you have rough days when you don’t feel your best. It’s a win and I’ll take it.”
Djokovic fired 34 winners past Fearnley, whose 42 winners were canceled out by an unforced error count of 49.
World number two Djokovic will take on Australia’s Alexei Popyrin for a place in the last 16.
